What is a Pocket Bike?
The simplest definition of a pocket bike is that it is a miniature motorcycle. Like their larger cousins, pocket bikes use a four-stroke engine connected to a chain that in turn rotates the rear wheels. Pocket bikes are not road-legal in most areas due to their lack of power compared to true motorcycles and their tendency to emit blue smoke, but they can still be operated in large, open areas.
Pocket bikes first arose out of spare parts in the 1950s, and they were primarily built for use by drag racers in moving about within the pit area. Due to their small size, pocket bikes could maneuver easily in the cramped conditions of the pit areas, and since they used a small but still roadworthy engine, they were faster than most other forms of competing transportation such as bicycles, while still taking up roughly the same space. Eventually, pocket bikes were brought home, where children, enamored with the idea of a “mini motorcycle”, began building their own pocket bikes. Over the years, pocket bikes have evolved into several subvarieties, each specialized for a different field.
Pit bikes remain true to the original conception of pocket bikes as tools for getting around the pit area. Recently, however, the trend of using pit bikes to race has become more common.
Mini choppers resemble chopper-type motorcycles, but still retain the look of a pocket bike.
Midi motos can be considered an intermediate stage of sorts between a pocket bike and a full-fledged motorcycle. They have higher seats and a bigger engine than most pocket bikes, though they are still small compared to full-sized motorcycles.
Quad bikes are, as the name suggests, four-wheeled mini bikes that resemble their larger all terrain capable cousins. Some might even be capable of crossing rough terrain like full-sized ATVs.
Regardless of type, however, all pocket bikes have a sizable power output (despite their toy-like appearance). This naturally leads to the risk for accidents caused by careless riders who underestimate the importance of protecting themselves when riding these bikes. Wearing full protective gear, while seemingly comical on such a tiny vehicle, is still of the utmost importance when riding a pocket bike, since one does not need to be going very fast to suffer major injuries. In general, pocket bikes should be given as much respect and caution as full-sized motorcycles, and parents are urged never to consider a pocket bike as a toy for their children.
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